Clutches are typically smaller than everyday handbags, so you unfortunately can’t stuff everything and the kitchen sink inside them. You want to be prepared in case of wardrobe malfunctions, small emergencies, and run-ins with that someone special, but what items should you include in your limited space? Here are 10 things you should always carry in your clutch, so you'll be covered no matter what the night throws your way!
- Lipstick
Unless you use a lip stain, your lip color is going to start to fade as soon as you take your first sip of wine. You don’t want your flawless red lip to go to waste before you even get to the main course, so as soon as you finish applying your lipstick at home, stick it in your clutch for mid-evening touch ups. - Safety Pins
I have had a dress or shirt strap break in a public place more than once, and it’s the worst feeling in the world if you have no way to remedy it. A safety pin can be a lifesaver because it will securely hold your clothes in place until you can reach home and sew them back together. - Cash
Whether you have to pay for an unexpected cover charge or taxi fare, cash is a necessity to keep with you at all times. Even in this day and age, not all establishments accept credit cards, so the last thing you want is to be stuck outside the club with no way to get back home after a night full of dancing and aching feet. - Tide To-Go
Nothing can ruin a night quite like a little sauce on your favorite outfit; trust me, I know. I have ruined many a top by spilling something on myself and not being prepared. Save yourself the heartache by stashing a Tide To-Go pen in your clutch. You and your clothes will be eternally grateful later. - Tampons
You never know when that time of the month could come early for you or one of your friends, so it’s essential to be prepared and bring at least one tampon and pantiliner anywhere you go. You may be able to bum one off a friend or acquaintance, but what if they don’t have one either? You probably don’t want to find out. - Pain Reliever
A pain reliever can be your best friend if you have a raging headache, regardless of whether it's because you drank too much or one of your friends talked too much. Keep a pain reliver such as Advil in your clutch and you'll never have to duck out at 9:30 p.m. and finish the night at home because you don’t feel well. - Rollerball Perfume
If you and your girlfriends are headed to the dance club, you’re bound to get a little sweaty. As the night goes on, you don’t want to run into a cute guy at the bar and be constantly panicking that you smell like B.O. Bringing a travel-size deodorant is ideal, but if your clutch is too small for that, at least have a rollerball perfume on-hand. - Band-Aids
Band-Aids have multiple uses, so you should never leave the house without one or two. You can obviously use them to patch up small cuts or scratches, but you can also place a Band-Aid on the back of each of your feet if your stilettos start to rub against your heels. - Portable Phone Charger
A small, battery-powered phone charger takes up less room in your clutch than a regular charger, and it will give you the luxury of charging your phone even if there is no outlet around. Need to call an Uber or a friend to pick you up? You won’t have to worry about your phone dying before they reach your location. - Mints
This one may not be quite as important as cash and Band-Aids, but it’s everyone’s worst nightmare to be walking around and talking to people when you have bad breath. Gum can be kind of a pain because you have to find somewhere to throw it out, but mints are perfect for giving your halitosis an instant, easy makeover.
